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Workways+ helps Rob build better life

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AT 48-years-old, low skilled and long-term unemployed, Rob Driscoll of Pembroke thought that his chances of finding a job that he could enjoy were extremely limited.

In fact, he had all but given up hope. Then Rob was introduced to Workways+ and his life changed. Workways+ is dedicated to helping people improve their lives through volunteering, work experience, training and employment.

Rob’s history included caring for his mother and a series of unsatisfactory temporary labouring jobs. Rob was under great stress and on occasion, this manifested itself in unsociable behaviour. Rob had large gaps in his employment record and he felt this was another barrier.

Rob first signed up with Workways+ in December 2016 but through stress and anxiety caused by his situation, he was not able to take full advantage of the support available. However, after a period of false starts Rob fully committed to the support and has not looked back. Workways+ assigned Rob a dedicated mentor to work with him on a one to one basis.

Rob’s mentor worked with him to identify what type of job would suit him best. Enjoying practical work and the outdoor life, the building trade was an obvious match and a sector Rob already had experience. Workways+ provided Rob with support to develop his CV, job search and build his confidence. They funded his application for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card and helped him pass the online test. Without a CSCS card, you cannot work on a building site.

The next step was to get Rob a placement within a building company to develop his skills and build his work experience. Workways+ funded a ‘Paid for Work Opportunity’ with Pembrokeshire-based building company Miles Plant Hire.

‘Paid Work Opportunities’ run over several weeks and enable businesses to employ and provide experience to people without any cost to them. Rob started work with Miles Plant and loved it. Employed as a general labourer, Rob has demonstrated great enthusiasm and commitment for the role.

Miles Plant Hire supervisor Mike Miles said: “First onsite and last to leave, Rob is a great example to everyone. Always happy, cooperative, willing to learn and take on new roles, Rob is someone that we are confident in investing in. Rob started with labouring in groundworks but showed he was able and willing to do other tasks like building kerbs, scaffolding, landscaping and mixing concrete. We are now moving him on to other roles and are training him to use plant like operating the JCB and dumper truck.”

Rob’s 16 week ‘PWO’ ended on the 21 st April and Miles Plant Hire was pleased to offer Rob a fulltime job from that day onwards.

A delighted Rob said: “Workways+ gave me my chance to prove to everyone and myself that I could have a good job. I am now employed at 40 hours per week and for the first time I have money in the bank. I love my job not just because it is regular work but also because they believe in me and are willing to train me to do new things. It is the first time that I have felt I have a good future. I can’t thank Workways+ enough. The practical support they have given me has been great and the fact that they funded a placement for me in a company so I could prove what I was capable of was what really got me on my feet. It’s a wonderful service and would recommend them to anyone looking to get on.”

Workways+ is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government. For further information on how Workways+ can help you please call 01437 776609 / email [email protected] or visit www.workways.wales.

 

Crime

Three more arrested after 18-year-old dies in Gorseinon crash

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Five people are now in custody following a collision involving a car and an off-road motorcycle

THREE more men have been arrested after an 18-year-old died following a collision between a car and an off-road motorcycle in Gorseinon.

South Wales Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road at around 12:58pm on Thursday, where the teenager, who is believed to have been from Swansea, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with injuries.

Two 18-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday.

Police confirmed on Friday that a further three arrests had been made.

A 33-year-old man from Gorseinon was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 38-year-old man from Gowerton and a 38-year-old man from Mount Pleasant were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The latest arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with the investigation to five.

Several roads in the area remained closed on Friday morning while officers continued their investigation.

Cordons had been removed from some streets, although traffic cones, road signs and police tape remained at the roadside.

Gorseinon Rugby Club chairman Ian Murphy said the local community had been left in “deep shock”.

He said: “For youngsters to get involved in a tragedy like this is shocking and disturbing, very disturbing for us all.

“Everybody was talking about it. All the roads were closed by police and ambulances, so it took a while for it to sink in what was going on.

“We were aware that there might have been a chase involving a car and a motorbike, and the full tragedy unfolded from there.”

South Wales Police has not confirmed the circumstances leading up to the collision, and enquiries remain ongoing.

 

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Health

Hywel Dda patients waited average of 64 weeks for hip surgery

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Freedom of Information figures show more than 1,600 patients remained on the health board’s hip replacement waiting list in May

PATIENTS awaiting elective hip replacement surgery under Hywel Dda University Health Board waited an average of 450 days during the 2025/26 financial year, according to newly released figures.

The average wait was equivalent to just over 64 weeks, significantly longer than the treatment times set out under Welsh NHS targets.

The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request submitted to the health board by private healthcare marketplace My Medical Gateway.

In Wales, the stated aim is for 95% of patients to begin treatment within 26 weeks of referral, with no patient waiting longer than 36 weeks.

Hywel Dda confirmed that 1,608 patients were on its waiting list for hip replacement surgery as of May 28, 2026.

The health board also said 16 patients had been removed from the waiting list during the 2025/26 financial year after choosing to undergo treatment privately.

Hip replacement surgery is most commonly offered to people experiencing severe pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, often after other treatments such as physiotherapy, pain relief, injections and lifestyle changes have failed to provide sufficient relief.

Sara Gezdari, Head of Investor Relations at My Medical Gateway, said prolonged waits could have a serious effect on patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

She said: “Many people join NHS waiting lists after already spending months or years attempting to manage their condition through physiotherapy, pain relief medication, injections and lifestyle modifications.

“By the time surgery is recommended, they are often already struggling. The true impact of waiting is measured not in weeks but in declining quality of life.”

She said patients waiting for surgery could experience increasing pain, disrupted sleep, reduced mobility, loss of independence, social isolation and worsening mental health.

Long waits could also have financial consequences, particularly for people whose employment relies on physical mobility.

Ms Gezdari added: “Many patients continue working despite severe symptoms. As pain worsens, productivity often falls. Some reduce their hours. Others leave work entirely.

“The consequences can be particularly significant for self-employed individuals who depend upon physical mobility to earn a living.”

My Medical Gateway said private hip replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £12,549 and £14,950.

The company, which connects UK patients with private hospitals in the European Union, said the average price offered by many European providers was approximately £9,088.

However, travelling abroad for medical treatment can involve additional considerations, including travel costs, insurance, post-operative care and arrangements if complications arise.

The Freedom of Information response was returned by Hywel Dda University Health Board on June 8, 2026.

 

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Education

Saundersfoot graduate secures teaching job before completing degree

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Local school placements helped Millie Brace gain the experience and connections needed to begin her career at Templeton Primary School

A SAUNDERSFOOT student is celebrating after graduating from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and securing a teaching job in Pembrokeshire before completing her degree.

Millie Brace graduated this week with a BA in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status from UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus.

She will begin her first teaching post at Templeton Primary School in September.

Millie said the opportunity to remain close to home and complete placements in Pembrokeshire schools had been a major factor in her decision to study at UWTSD.

“I chose UWTSD because it allowed me to stay close to my family and continue living at home while studying, which was important to me,” she said.

“Another key reason was the opportunity to complete local teaching placements.

“I knew how competitive teaching jobs can be in Pembrokeshire, so gaining experience in local schools was a great way to build professional connections and develop an understanding of the schools and communities I want to work in.”

Her placements allowed her to gain experience in a range of classrooms and helped her develop the confidence needed to apply for teaching roles.

“Before graduating, I was delighted to secure a teaching position at an amazing primary school in my local area,” she said.

Millie praised the support she received from university staff, school mentors and teachers during her final placement at Lamphey Primary School.

“Although I had not previously taught that particular year group, I received fantastic support from my class mentors and staff at Lamphey Primary School,” she said.

“Their knowledge and experience, combined with the research and understanding I developed through my course and assignments, greatly increased my confidence.”

Millie said the flexibility of the degree allowed her to explore subjects linked directly to her classroom experience and professional development.

“My favourite thing about the course was the flexibility of the assignments,” she said.

“They allowed me to explore topics that genuinely interested me and focus on areas that reflected my personal development targets from placements.

“This made the work feel relevant to my experiences in the classroom and helped me connect theory with practice.”

She also valued the sense of community at the Carmarthen campus and the friendships she formed with other student teachers.

“One of the biggest challenges during my studies was adapting to different placement schools and managing the increasing expectations placed on me as I progressed,” she said.

“Each school had its own routines, approaches and learning environments.

“What helped me most was the support of other student teachers. We shared resources, exchanged ideas and helped each other with lesson planning and preparation.”

Outside her studies, Millie continued to enjoy the Pembrokeshire coastline, spending her spare time paddleboarding, walking her dog and learning to surf.

She said she would recommend UWTSD to anyone considering a career in teaching.

“The course provided excellent placement opportunities, allowing me to gain valuable experience in local schools and build professional connections that helped me secure a teaching job before graduating,” she said.

“I have also made friends for life, and the relationships I built have been one of the most rewarding parts of my university experience.”

Millie will now take the next step in her career when she joins Templeton Primary School at the beginning of the new academic year.

 

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